What Are You Missing?

                                  

In these days of stay-inside
Here's what I'm finding is true,
Lonely times come calling,
I'm missing you!

Those tops and pants in closet,
Are feeling lonely, too.
I'm thinking spring clothes this year
Will not get their due.

 

Dressed in sweats and a sweater,
I rotate every day,
I still try to match these few,
It sure takes less effort this way!

Makeup will last till kingdom come,
I'll spend less money for looks,
I'm reading fewer pages
What if I run out of books?

The car sits idle in stall,
Even though gas costs much less,
They say LA can see far,
No smog, to cloud and oppress.

Store pickups are now my norm,
The process is not refined,
Bleached flour and processed meat,
In place of healthier kind.

But I'm cooking more from scratch,
This joy is starting to ache,
Oh, what I would give to eat
Cuisine that I didn't make!

Speaking of groceries and such,
Shortages, are such a rut,
No sanitized wipes, and, cheap
TP that's hard on the butt.

God is working, even when I can't see it, or feel it!

But I'll not keep complaining,
Thankful for hubby and Zoom,
Good health, internet, and phone,
God is here, all is not gloom!

Resurrection! Joy!

Mostly taken from the gospel of John's account of the resurrection in John 20.

For the Joy Set Before Him


Gabriel nudged Michael from their perch on the huge tombstone. "He's like a child, bursting with anticipation". He chuckled. "I wonder who will be the first one to discover his surprise?", Michael responded.

Joy and excitement beamed from Jesus' face as he paced through the garden. It was far too early for any of his friends to be here. Containing his joy until they would show up was almost impossible. He danced, he felt where nails and spear had pierced him, but no emotions of shame or pain shadowed his happiness. He had done it!  The Father's plan had worked! He could now include the human race into the perfect love and forgiveness of his and his Father's heart.  Those who believed would never be separated from him.  They wouldn't have to sacrifice lambs or bulls anymore. His chosen ones would worship now in spirit and in truth. He wanted to tell them, to see their surprise when they saw him alive! Earth's time was passing way too slowly today. If only the sun would run it's race faster this morning!

          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mary Magdeline walked alone towards the tomb.  She had brought the smallest lamp she had, hoping to be as inconspicuous as possible in the early morning darkness.  She felt numb and drained of feeling. Crying hadn't brought relief and tears collected into a heavy lump of anxiety in her chest, that seemed more than she could bear.  Sleep was far from reach.  Without a reasoning thought for her safety or what she would find when she arrived, she only wanted to be near him.

Mary remembered Jesus' last words to her. He had thanked her for being a friend, for her faith that kept her following him.  She had emphatically declared that her thanks to him was greater. She didn't want to think back to the days before he had touched her and commanded the evil one to go and leave her alone. Even in this cloud of grief she was comforted by this memory, and the freedom he brought to her that had not faded.

There was the tomb.  The entrance was open with the huge covering stone rolled to one side. What had she expected?  Certainly not this! No one was around. Panic burned in her throat. She could only think of getting to the disciples, to report the unsettling news.  She ran! John and Peter opened the door at her insistent knocking. Relieved to be in their presence, her breathlessness and shock sputtered out her words. "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him."

John and Peter began running towards the tomb. Mary followed, not able to keep up, but wanting to know what they would do. Both men were heading back her way when she arrived, but she could tell they did not want to speak to her. They looked confused and baffled. Initial shock was giving way to the raging river of emotions roiling inside her. Their force was released in anguished sobs.  As she stood near the tomb, her crying subsiding, curiosity overruled and demanded she look inside. Surprise again assaulted her as she saw two shining angels by the empty bed. "Why are you crying?" If it had not been for their sympathetic question, she felt sure she would have succumbed to fainting. "They have taken my Lord away, and I don't know where they have put him." She felt a presence behind her and quickly turned around. Given her fragility, everything felt threatening. A human man stood there, and he also asked why the tears and who was she looking for. He must be the gardener, she thought, he would know what had happened. In a respectful, surprisingly, calm voice, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." I am not thinking clearly.  As if  could get him! Fear of her past emotional bondage seized her. Would she be captured by the evil again?

Joy for You and Me!

"Mary". The way he said her name cut through her terrifying thoughts. It was the voice that called her the first time. A voice that held love and chased away demons. It was the Lord! She lifted her face to him. As the morning sunrise colorfully splattered the sky behind him, she reached for him, for the one who was her rock, her savior.  "Teacher!" She blurted his name joyfully. She had not only found him, but he wasn't dead.  He was alive! She wanted to hold on to him, to never be separated from him again. But he was gently withdrawing from her and telling her to go now and tell the disciples she saw him and that he was on the way to his Father, and her Father. It wasn't all clear to her, but she knew he was alive and her heart was whole again. She began to run.

Michael and Gabriel watched as Mary turned to go. "He chose Mary, of course. She loved him dearly and she needed him so desperately.  He knew her heart would receive him warmly and openly."
"And she would be quick to obey and deliver his message," Gabriel added. Michael high-fived his co-worker. "Let's get back to the heavenly party.  I want to see the celebration of Jesus' return." Gabriel had already lifted off, and Michael followed.

            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What was most meaningful in writing this is the thought of Jesus' joy and his eagerness to show himself to those who had been closest to him on earth. His joy is our joy because as he said to Mary, his Father and his God, is now our God and Father! The resurrection account in Matthew records that the women leaving the tomb after hearing the angel's words that Jesus was alive, ran to the disciples with fear and joy.  And isn't that so descriptive of us in many of our earthly trials and uncertainties?  Fear may be present, but joy is equally palpable. In these days of mitigation during the virus pandemic, we can live in the resurrected life of Christ where the fruit of the Holy Spirit is abundant. The joy of the Lord is our strength!

May this be your reality today!

If it's difficult to write in the comments of this post, you can respond to my email:
ruthshow1@gmail.com

Sneezing Jesus

Sneezing spreads viruses. So we cast sly unapproving glances at any stranger sniffling, hoping a water droplet shower isn't about to happen. Armed with spray sanitizer or germ fighting wipes, or both, we hurry to finish the shopping trip and return to the fairly safe haven of home. However even here, we wash hands frequently and remember not to itch, stroke or rub our faces, or even strike that ponder-and-think pose of fist supporting chin. If you haven't been an OCD freak before, it might feel like you're on the verge of the diagnosis now.

What a crazy time!  Yet what a time for God to arise and let his enemies be scattered. There's no better time to sneeze Jesus.  Spread his infection, infest our environment with his Kingdom words and actions.

LET US PROVOKE ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS

How creatively we're doing this right now.  Facebook posts of scripture or sermons, or live videos from pastors, have replaced pictures of fancy restaurant meals and vacation fantasies.  Here are some internet gems I've been enjoying.

Daily Audio Bible

I've borrowed the phrase, Sneezing Jesus, from Brian Hardin who hosts the Daily Audio Bible. He reads through the Bible to his listeners in one year, and every day is a brand new recording.  He's done it since 2007, every day new. Sometimes he'll give commentary on what he's read, and the broadcast ends with several prayers or requests from his global community of members. He wrote a book, Sneezing Jesus, and is currently reading a chapter from that book every day, after the Bible reading. It's only the second day today, so a great time to jump into this wonderful, daily encouragement from the Bible and a book that shares the awesome teaching and person of Jesus Christ.
I use the DAB app and find it a great place to start or end my day in bed. You can find it in the app store for any device.  It may cost .99 for other than iPhone users.

Sermons

Our pastor had an excellent sermon on March 15 on how to balance our need for caution with the pandemic, with continuing to minister to those who need help.

Elevation church's sermon on March 22rd was so relevant to the current situation. The pastor used the text from Joshua 3 where the Israelites are finally getting to enter the Promised Land.
Verses 3-5:

[officers gave] "orders to the people: 'When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits (about half a mile)between you and the ark; do not go near it.' Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'" They were on the verge of a miracle; they would see the flooded Jordan River back up and make a dry path for them to walk through. 

WE HAVE NEVER BEEN THIS WAY BEFORE

By following God's presence we will know how to handle this time. Keeping a distance between them and the Ark of the Covenant would have allowed everyone to see it. If they were allowed closer only the ones in front would see it. They all needed to see because it was an unknown way for all of them. (thoughts from Mathew Henry commentary) 

God is making a way for each of us, all of us in this never-been-here-before time. He asks us to keep our eyes on him, trust his leading and get ourselves prepared for miracles.

CONSECRATE YOURSELVES. GOD WANTS TO DO AMAZING THINGS!

We are! Let's keep it up. We have time to read his word more, pray, share spiritual truths with our children and grand children and fill our thoughts with his goodness and creative ways to "be together". Who knows what character, what patience he is developing among his people and what he will do as we prepare our hearts to receive more of him? We are on the verge of amazing things!

Social Media and Technology

I've learned to do group Facetime calls. I see families exercising together, baking, making masks, singing birthday songs to a neighbor from their deck, 'visiting' the elderly with a phone call outside their window. I see teachers parading in their cars through residences where their school children live and exchanging waves between car and porch. A school bus passes with a sign in the window that reads FOOD BUS, and I know underprivileged kids are still being fed.

Back to Basics

I walked today and found neighbors outside. There were walkers, joggers, pet walkers, a dad pushing a kid on a tricycle, someone enjoying the sunshine from a blanket in the back yard, a roofing company doing their 'essential work' including a woman walking the peak, and children playing in the dirt.

I'm intending to send more personal snail mail. Friends are remembering and sharing the words of old time hymns. We are turning our hearts in different ways to things that matter.

What are you finding as encouragement during your shelter-in-place days? Share your creativity and discoveries with us.

Thank you, Father, for each day's gift of health and daily bread.  Please end this virus and bring healing to the world. May we be salt and light as you intended us to be. We look to you and wait on you. Give us your peace.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death. Ps 68:19-20

Romans 9 Mysteries Explored

What's fair for one, must be fair for all!

 

What if a billionaire walked through your neighborhood some warm, sunny day and you saw him knocking at some houses, not all of them, leaving something and then getting in his car and driving  away? Later you find out he had given the houses he stopped at money-large gifts-1k, 5k, 250k...

Would you say he was being unfair? Does he have the right to do whatever he wants to do with his money?

In today’s culture, where Grammy Awards are accused of not being given fairly, government is judged for not responding rapidly enough to hurricane victims, there’s the attitude that says, I may have made a bad choice, but you are to blame for taking advantage of me, cops are guilty of being unfair when it comes to the color of skin, I wonder if most people wouldn’t answer yes, he is being unfair.

I am not trying to make  judgment on what is true injustice in any of these types of situations, but current events can color our vision and ability to see God’s system of mercy , justice and his sovereignty. If society believes that we have to watch out for our own backs and fight for our rights because we trust no one, why would we trust a sovereign God to do right by us?

What about Romans 9?

In studying Romans 9, Paul addresses a question in verse six. If all Jews aren’t included in salvation then has God’s word from all history failed? We need to know. If it has failed, how do we know all of Romans 1-8 can be trusted to be true for us?

Paul takes us back to the promise to Abraham and what God really said. The promise was not to all of Abraham’s descendants, just because they could trace their bloodline to him, but to those God had called to be included in the promise. John Piper talks about how the basis of blessing is not to be found in physical relationship to a forefather, but by spiritual relationship to God by faith. Grace does not run in the blood…

Individuals matter! 
 

Paul goes on to list some of those in the lineage of promise-Isaac, not Ishmael, and in case you think it was because Ishmael was born from a slave women,  he chose Jacob, not Esau-twins so there is no mistake they were both from Issac’s wife, and they were chosen before they were born.  Paul is establishing God’s sovereignty in the choosing-not because Isaac and Jacob were better men-Scripture tells us their flaws-, but God was setting up a lineage for Jesus and a people to show himself to and to teach them his ways. Who begats who matters! Jesus, as human man, needed a lineage to be born through. 

Culture matters!

 God creates a nation who worship Him and show him to be like no other god.  This people would carry his laws, his presence, and his governing.  His promised son would be born among them.

As I recalled those whom God called to carry out his purposes and to show his mercy to, I was overwhelmed with awe at his patience and love. How mercifully and sovereignly he worked out his plan with the individuals he chose. All of them were imperfect; yet God kept working with them.  Jacob steals his blessing. Moses protests that God has the wrong guy when God calls him from the burning bush. David commits adultery, then covers it up with murder, yet God calls him a man after his own heart. Rahab and Ruth, both from foreign nations, are included in Jesus’ geneology. 

When the Jewish nation was integrated into a foreign culture in the exile, he was still choosing individuals to show mercy to and to fulfill his purposes- Daniel, Mordecai who raised Esther, who God used to miraculously save his people, and Nehemiah and Ezra to help restore the temple and God’s laws. Each of the prophets were chosen for a specific time and purpose. Eventually, God chooses Zechariah and Elizabeth and Mary and Joseph to be his son's family.

I could go on,  right down to you and me and how he called and predestined us to be in his plan. The Jewish people are excluded because they wouldn't accept Christ as the Messiah, but that does not make the promise invalid.

 God's ways are not our ways

Paul next addresses the fairness in God’s choices. In John 6:37 Jesus says that all who come to him, he will never drive away. 2 Peter 3:9 says God is patient, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Isaiah 55 tells us God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours.  I saw something in the Isaiah verses that I hadn’t thought of before. God is declaring his so-much-greater thoughts and ways after he invites the wicked and unrighteous to turn to him and repent so he can have mercy on them and freely pardon them. What man would think like that?  

 He compares his word to the rain and snow that come down to give life---causing budding, flourishing, yielding seed for bread. He’s reminding us of His greatness, not in the context of judgment and condemnation, (your thoughts are so puny compared to mine) but to show his wisdom and goodness in  caring for those he created. The evidence that God is completely just and fair seems overwhelming to me. It’s not about who isn't included, but that he included any of us!  Why me?

We who are Christ followers are in the promise.  We’ve received the blessing of Abraham through faith, so we can be a blessing. As we see the futility of the shortsightedness and blindness of the culture around us, let it motivate us to long for and pray for Jesus’ compassion that looked on the crowd as sheep without a shepherd. And then offer ourselves in total surrender and with deep gratitude, to fulfill whatever in the world God chose you and me for! 

So that billionaire- was he being unfair? 

Read Matt 20:1-16 to see God’s system of justice and sovereignty in action. An interesting parallel to to this study.

 

Some of these thoughts were processed from these websites: bible.org, enduring word.com and desiringgod.com.

 

The Hidden Places

Seeing the Unseen

Summer, what life you hide
where I can’t see,
Nurturing and building
under the canopy.

First a hodgepodge of items
stacked, then spread,
Molded, then folded
into a hidden homestead.

Feeding times scheduled,
Keeping close to hover
so none are missing,
Parents working hard, undercover.

Nighttime prayers and tucking in,
Took place where young lie,
Behind scenes, yet,
Out under a starry sky.

Protecting and watching
for enemies, while giving lessons
before takeoff,
Clandestine sessions.

Autumn, you blow blasts,
And cause the fells
of the colorful foliage,
Exposing the abandoned shells.

Oh, Winter, how your winds rock
empty cradles. I see them now,
Dotting the swaying tree limbs, high and low,
To the craftiness of Nature’s secrets, I bow.

Spring, you will beckon life return,
To remodel and claim back the lair,
Or start fresh places for new migrants,
In busy seclusion; again, I’m not aware.

What of me? I see the seasons
I’ve weathered.  Busy building shelter,
Shaken by gusts that expose emptiness,
Feeling the cold tossing me helter skelter.

Then awakened by new starts,
Finding the place I had lived in
now replicated by love’s offspring,
I'm fully alive and aware to this kin!

Prayers for Our Nation and Leaders

Just reflecting today on the new developments with our country and Iran and the continuing saga with impeachment proceedings. Also, I'm trying to make sense of the Christian community and the messages that are exchanged between Trump supporters and those that believe Trump should be ousted.

As a Christ follower I want to follow Biblical commands and hold Biblical values and worldview. Here is what I clearly see and know to do:

1.  Pray for our leaders, no matter who is in office. Part of the daily Bible reading today, through-the-Bible -in-one-year-plan, was from Proverbs 2:7-9 AMP:

He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him];
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character and moral courage],
⁸ 
He guards the paths of justice;
And He preserves the way of His saints (believers).
⁹ 
Then you will understand righteousness and justice [in every circumstance]
And integrity and every good path.

The phrase, "he guards the paths of justice", is very comforting.  God is concerned about justice and nothing will get beyond his guardianship. I thank him for that and pray those who are righteous in government will be given the stored wisdom he has for them.  If they have this wisdom, God's shield of protection, and God preserving their ways, then they WILL understand righteousness and justice-in every circumstance.  Can I trust God for this answer and promise?  Let's keep God busy with our fervent requests for his wisdom to be imparted to any who are deemed righteous in Washington right now.

2.  God is sovereign and will do what he pleases.  Whoever is in office is appointed there by God. Even though a democracy votes for their leader, the final plans are in God's hands.

    In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.
    Prov. 16:9  NIV

I am not politically postured, but I am Biblically based.  God's word will never lie or return void to him.  May my heart always seek to know his heart and what he thinks, and may his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Let's pray and trust, Jesus, our commander and chief. And constantly grow in loving those around us, no matter our differences.

Was Jesus Born in a Stable and Laid in a Manger?

A Stable Relationship

It might be the way the words of a familiar carol suddenly catch your attention. Or a conversation with a friend paints the nativity in a different hue. What was it this year that made the season fresh and new-like for you? What reflections stirred your emotions?

I entered December with flat emotions.  We had a glorious visit from family out-of-state for Thanksgiving and with that holiday being later this year, it was a harsh bump into Christmas preparation. I dutifully put up the decorations, trying to drum up spirit, listening to holiday music.

The first tiny spark of wonder crept in as I prepared the Sunday School lesson.  Nothing new about God's choice to bring the first tidings of Jesus' birth to shepherds. Informing the lowliest of society first, confirmed God's disposition towards all mankind, no matter the social status. But what was new thinking to me was the likely idea that shepherds were less positioned to spread the message because of their status, thus keeping Jesus' presence less visible until it was God's time for his ministry. (More on shepherds later)

From a devotional online, another thought brought new challenge into my season. All of the characters in the Christmas story chose what they did not choose.  Mary and Joseph didn't ask for the assignment God gave them, but they chose to embrace what must have seemed impossible and impossibly hard for them personally. Can I accept whatever God assigns for me in this next stage of my life?

Inspiration hit as we attended a grandchild's church program. A mishmash of ages stood in the front, swinging arms, twirling bodies in angelic garb, a shepherd adjusting his headdress every 2 minutes, spoken parts barely audible, others shouted into the microphone, words sometimes spoken haltingly following the prompter sitting in the front row, and then the director ad-libbing to make the whole thing kind of flow into a meaningful production.  But the director ended with a practical application for each of the stories' characters.  Perhaps we could identify with Mary, accepting a big interruption in our lives, or Joseph submitting to God's plan when we thought we had figured out a different solution.  Or the shepherds hearing good news and hurrying to express their worship, or the wise men staying on a path for a long time to follow the unknown because they were convinced there was a new ruler who would change the world and was worthy of the best gifts they could offer. "Which do you most identify with?", was his ending question.

During a phone discussion with my 91 year old father, he responded to my cue for what was new in the story for him this year. How did the wise men find out about Jesus?  They weren't Jewish. Probably not knowledgeable about scriptural prophecy because they go to Herod for answers. And what was so compelling about the  alignment of heavenly bodies that moved them to take expensive gifts and commit to a long journey to find a king who they needed to honor?

One more discussion with friends opened up a new look into the shepherds which may or may not conflict with what I mentioned before. Micah chapter 5 in the old testament  prophesies a promised ruler to be born in Bethlehem. Micah 4:8 mentions a king coming to Jerusalem, and addresses the watchtower of the flock; stronghold of Daughter Zion. According to a Facebook article one of the friends had read, I was intrigued with knowing more about what some scholars were suggesting the watchtower signified.

I looked up more information on the internet and from the patheos.com blog and the estremecedorbook.com site, I found this information. (I’ve included some of the findings word for word and altered some of the texts to condense the information.) Along with the belief that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem, it was also believed that He was to be revealed from Migdal Eder, ‘the tower of the flock.’ This Migdal Eder was not the watchtower for the ordinary flocks which pastured on the barren sheepground beyond Bethlehem, but lay close to the town, on the road to Jerusalem. These particular sheep were destined for Temple sacrifice and the ones who watched them were not just ordinary shepherds. Unlike the dirty, unclean, according to rabbinical law, these specially trained shepherds cared for Passover lambs that were born and kept in this “tower of the flock” known as Migdal Eder.  These shepherds would then inspect and either certify the lambs for use as sacrifices in the temple or designate them to be released for common use. The new certified lambs would, according to some sources, even be wrapped in special swaddling clothes to protect them from injury The word manger in Luke can also be translated stall.

This seems fitting since Jesus became the Passover Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. Second, it explains how the shepherds knew where to go to find the newborn babe — and why Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes would be a significant clue, or sign like the angel said.  These purified shepherds would have strictly maintained a ceremonially clean stable for birthing ewes, who were brought in from the outdoor flocks to deliver their lambs where they could be gently cared for.

Of course, no one knows for certain if this is where Jesus was born, but I like that this possibility nicely foreshadows his sacrificial death as the lamb of God and, being one who knows childbirth first hand, I like to think that Mary had a clean place to birth and care for Jesus.
 
Thank you, Lord, for sharing more insights into the amazing birth of Immanuel. You are with us now as you always intended to be. I bring my worship and gifts to you.